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Cancer survivor from Cornwall sets up surf camp to help others
Overview
Stephen Downes, a double cancer survivor from Newquay, Cornwall, has established The Dawn Patrol Project surf camp in Bristol to help other sarcoma patients. After undergoing major surgery that involved losing his left arm and part of his chest wall, Downes returned to surfing and became a two-time English kneeboard champion. The inaugural three-day camp at The Wave in Bristol provided beginner surf lessons and wellbeing activities for eight participants, creating an empathetic community for people with similar cancer experiences.
Key points
- Stephen Downes is a double cancer survivor who was treated for Hodgkin lymphoma 20 years ago and later diagnosed with myxofibrosarcoma in 2022.
- His 2022 surgery involved the removal of his left arm, shoulder, collarbone, three ribs, and part of his chest wall.
- Despite his life-changing surgery, Downes returned to surfing and became a two-time English kneeboard surfing champion.
- He founded The Dawn Patrol Project to help other sarcoma sufferers return to the water and rebuild their confidence.
- The first 'Surfing through Sarcoma' camp took place at The Wave in Bristol, featuring three days of surf lessons and wellbeing activities for eight participants.